Franz Beckenbauer has apologised for his criticism of England. Beckenbauer had claimed England were "stupid" to set up a World Cup last-16 encounter with Germany and suggested Fabio Capello's players are "burnt out" following a gruelling Premier League season.

However, Beckenbauer – a World Cup winner as a coach and a player – has backtracked today. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Before the World Cup I thought England would play a major role in the tournament, maybe win the title.

"They have a great team and a great coach and then after the first two games I was so disappointed – not angry, but very, very disappointed.

"Maybe this [attack on England] was the reaction of my disappointment, but I apologise."

Beckenbauer continued: "Because I like England and English football I am really a big, big fan of the English style. Maybe it was a reaction because I was disappointed, maybe I was in a bad mood.

"In other words I apologised already and now I look forward to the game on Sunday. I think it will be a very, very interesting game."